CU defense to face Ohio State’s Pryor next September

Saw that Ohio newspapers quoted Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor as saying he plans to return in 2011 for his senior season.

Colorado plays in Columbus next year, and it’s a frightening thought to think that the Buffaloes will no longer have current senior cornerbacks Jimmy Smith and Jalil Brown.

Pryor, raw for a QB coming out of high school despite being ranked the nation’s overall No. 1 prospect, has improved dramatically each season. Thus far in 2010 he has thrown for 1,997 yards (67.6 completion percentage) and 20 touchdowns, with seven interceptions. And at 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, Pryor can be scary when he takes off running. With 4.4 speed, he has run for 463 yards and four scores.

Although Pryor’s return next season may not be great news for whoever is hired as CU’s new coach, it is good news for CU wide receiver Toney Clemons. Clemons and Pryor are cousins, both hailing from the greater Pittsburgh (Pa.) area.

Of course, CU also will face a bevy of talented quarterbacks during its inaugural tour of the Pac-12 Conference in 2011.